1979⚡ Event
Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse
The Penmanshiel Tunnel in Scotland collapsed during construction, killing two workers and leading to its abandonment.
disastertechnology
What Happened on March 17?
Browse 15 historical entries recorded for March 17 — 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
sportswarpoliticsentertainmentdisastertechnologyreligioneconomics
Image retrieved via Wikipedia: Libyan civil war (2011)
Historical Events on March 17(5)
1988⚡ Event
Battle of Afabet
Eritrean People's Liberation Front troops encircled Ethiopian forces, gaining a decisive victory in the Eritrean War of Independence.
war
2000⚡ Event
Ugandan sect mass murder
Hundreds of followers of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, a Ugandan sect, died in a mass murder committed by its leaders.
religion
2004⚡ Event
Unrest in Kosovo
Unrest in Kosovo broke out, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of several Serb Orthodox churches and shrines.
politicswar
2011⚡ Event
UN Resolution 1973
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, authorizing military intervention in Libya to protect civilians during the First Libyan Civil War.
politicswar
Birthdays on March 17(5)
1995🎂 Birth
Claressa Shields
American boxer and mixed martial artist Claressa Shields was born.
sports
Deaths on March 17(5)
2018🕊️ Death
Mike MacDonald
Mike MacDonald, a Canadian comedian, died on March 17, 2018.
entertainment
2021🕊️ Death
John Magufuli
John Magufuli, the fifth President of Tanzania, died on March 17, 2021.
politics
2023🕊️ Death
Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick, an American actor known for his roles in The Wire and John Wick, died on March 17, 2023.
entertainment
2025🕊️ Death
John Hemingway
John Hemingway, Irish fighter pilot and last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, died.
war
2025🕊️ Death
Lee Shau-kee
Lee Shau-kee, Hong Kong real estate billionaire, died.
economics
March 17 in History
March 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths. These counts describe the current collection, not every historical occurrence associated with this date.
Events on March 17
Examples currently recorded for March 17 include Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse (1979), Battle of Afabet (1988), Ugandan sect mass murder (2000). View all events →
Birthdays on March 17
People recorded as born on March 17 include Claressa Shields, Katie Ledecky, Daniel Sprong. View all birthdays →
Deaths on March 17
Remembered figures who died on March 17 include Mike MacDonald, John Magufuli, Lance Reddick. View all →
Browse what happened on March 16 or March 18, explore the full month of March, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 17?
- The DayFacts collection currently has 15 entries for March 17: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
- Which historical event is included for March 17?
- One event currently recorded for March 17 is: Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse.
- Who was born on March 17?
- People recorded as born on March 17 include Claressa Shields, Katie Ledecky, Daniel Sprong.
- How many historical events are recorded for March 17?
- The current DayFacts collection records 5 historical events for March 17.
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